Paris and the Prince: A BWWM Billionaire Romance (Royal Weddings Book 1) (15 page)

“
P
rince Alexander
, Miss Paris, please fasten your seat belts. We are about to begin our descent into Kara's Vale.”

Paris grinned up at Genevieve as she sleepily opened her eyes. She'd fallen asleep on Alex's shoulder as soon as they'd left New York City, thoroughly exhausted from everything that had happened over the last few weeks. Genevieve handed Paris a bottle of water, and winked at her, pointing at Alex, whose head was tilted back with his mouth wide open, a light snore escaping every few seconds. Paris giggled as she placed the cold bottle of water against Alex's face, and both women descended into hysterics when he jumped up, startled from sleep and looking all around the cabin to see who had awoken him. When he saw it was Paris, he gave her a sly half smile and started tickling her.

“You think you're so clever, do you? Well, just wait. I have a whole lifetime to return the favor.”

Paris leaned over and gave him a slow, soft kiss, which he returned with enthusiasm.

Genevieve clucked her tongue at them.

“Buckle up, kids. There will be plenty of time for that later.”

The clouds outside the plane window began to clear, and the beaches and mountains of Dalvana began to come into view. Paris couldn't explain it, but she felt a weight lift off of her shoulders. Alex put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.

“We're home.”

W
hen Dennis pulled
up in front of the house, he rushed out to let Alex and Paris out of the car. But before Paris could get out, Dennis whispered into her ear, “I'm glad you came back, Miss. I'm glad everything worked out.”

Paris took Dennis' hand as he helped her out of the car and gave it a squeeze.

“Me too, Dennis. Me too.”

Catriona, The King, Joseph, and Matthias were waiting on the front steps when Alex and Paris arrived at the castle. Paris felt her heart swell with happiness at the sight of her new family. Cat rushed down the stairs and gathered Paris in her arms, her eyes filling with tears.

“So I hear we have a wedding to plan, hmmm? I'm glad we didn't put the shoes back into the vault!”

Paris pulled back, shocked.

“What? But... the guard! The... diamonds!”

Cat laughed at her future daughter-in-law.

“Pish-tosh, darling. For a chance to dress the future Queen of Dalvana? That’s what they’re for. They’ll soon be yours my dear, in any case.”

Paris was completely taken aback. It was going to take a while to get used to this.

Matthias gave Paris a small kiss on the cheek.

“Glad to have you back, future sister.”

“I'm so sorry I drew attention away from you on your birthday. That was thoughtless and selfish of me,” Paris said. She smiled apologetically.

Joseph laughed heartily.

“Are you kidding me? I got to make a fool out of Whitney in front of all of the most important people in the country. Couldn't have done it without you, Paris.”

Paris blushed. She didn't like Whitney, but she still wasn't thrilled about her being humiliated in public. But if Whitney learned something about how to treat people because of it, maybe it was worth it. But would she change her ways now that her behavior had been exposed?

Paris thought back to the cruel things Whitney had said to her and rolled her eyes at the thought.
Doubtful,
Paris thought with a chuckle to herself.

As she looked up into Alex’s eyes though, all of the events of the past few weeks, and the heartbreak she’d faced—all of it evaporated. Paris recognized the glint in his eye as he took her hand in his and squeezed.

“Excuse me, mother. Paris and I have another engagement to attend to.”

Cat turned and looked at her son in surprise. “I didn’t see any royal engagements on the calendar.”

“Er—This is something that has just come up. And must be attended to immediately.” Alex gave her a charming smile as he practically carried Paris back to his room.

Cat watched them go, and King Alexander came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her ear. “Do you remember when we were like that?”

She leaned back into him. “Hmmm… Yes… Wasn’t it just last Tuesday?” Cat tossed him a wicked smile.

Alexander grabbed her hand and pulled her away. “Boys—Your mother and I just recalled our own engagement we must get to.”

Joseph and Mattias watched both couples disappear, giggling and laughing the entire way. The brothers had matching expressions of annoyance on their faces.

“Gross, right?”

“Disgusting.”

Joseph put Mattias in a headlock. “Come on. Let’s pretend we never witnessed that.”

“Agreed.”

Up in the highest towers of the castle, sounds of laughter could be heard dancing over the lake and echoing through the mountains.

I
t had taken
over 17 months for Alex to extricate himself and Dalvana from the legal entanglements the broken betrothal had caused. Scores of diplomats had hammered out a deal, which had involved serious financial and legal concessions from Dalvana for their breach of the treaty. A new agreement was finally solidified, and as soon as it was, Paris and Alex set a date for their own nuptials. In the end though, even Leonard and Penelope had to agree that the archaic practice of solidifying treaties with marriages was best relegated to the past. (It also helped that they personally profited by over twelve million dollars from the sanctions imposed upon Dalvana, though Whitney’s disposition had only gotten worse once she learned she would never be Queen.)

The Chapel in Kara's Vale was covered top to bottom in twinkling candles and gardenias, flown in just for Alex and Paris' wedding. Paris was standing in the dressing room of the chapel with Catriona, who was helping her prepare to walk down the aisle. They had just buttoned Paris into her dress, and she couldn't believe how beautiful it was, or that she was being allowed to wear this to a royal wedding. She remembered pictures from her childhood of famous royal women, getting married in massive dresses full of tulle and trains that were longer than the aisle itself. But this dress... it was undeniably Paris.

The dress itself was the palest blush pink with soft layers of tulle floating behind her. Over top of the pale pink silk was gorgeous, hand-beaded lace covered in tiny flowers that spread from mid-way up the skirt all the way to the neckline. The lace covered the heart-shaped bodice and went up over Paris' shoulders, then down her back, where it was fastened with a dozen fresh-water pearls. The waist of the dress was bound with a perfect, sweet little pink bow. When Paris twirled, the skirt of the dress spun in a perfect circle, and she couldn't stop admiring how the lace sparkled when she twirled. A professional stylist had gathered Paris' hair into an elegant chignon, with loose curls framing her face, just the way Alex liked. Her makeup was sweet and simple, with a light smoky eye and soft pink lips.

And peeking out from the layers of tulle, were the twinkling diamond shoes on Paris' feet. She couldn't believe how elegant she looked, how beautiful she felt, and how happy she was. Cat came up behind Paris and brushed a loose curl behind Paris' ear, and kissed her on both cheeks.

“I could never have picked a more wonderful woman to marry my son. You are everything he deserves and so much more. I can only hope that he is everything you deserve.”

Paris felt tears well in her eyes.

“Don't make me cry, Cat! My makeup!”

The women laughed and held each other in a tight hug.

“Your brother is waiting outside, Paris. Are you ready?”

Paris nodded enthusiastically. She had never been more ready for anything in her life. Orlando was waiting just outside the door, and when he saw his sister in her wedding dress, his eyes filled with tears. As he offered Paris his arm, he whispered, “Ready to take a walk, Tater?”

Paris smiled and kissed her brother on the cheek.

“Never more ready for anything in my life.”

The doors to the chapel opened as the strains of Ravel filled the room. Paris caught sight of Alex at the end of the aisle, and she felt her heart stop. He stood tall and proud, his hair slicked back, and his big eyes sparkling. His tuxedo matched that of his brothers' at his side, but unlike them, his bow tie was made of the same pale pink fabric in Paris' dress. When she locked eyes with Alex, his smile was spreading from ear to ear and his eyes sparkling with tears.

Paris and Orlando entered the cathedral, and legions of gathered royalty, nobility, and diplomats stood to see the bride as she walked her way to her groom. Even the American ambassador was sitting near the front, not far from her mother. Her sister Atlanta, her bridesmaid, stood near the altar, smiling happily for Paris. The smell of gardenias, the echo of the massive pipe organ, the flashbulbs of hundreds of photographers and T.V. cameras all disappeared from Paris’ consciousness. All that existed for her in that moment was Alex, and Paris felt her spirit soar with happiness.

Her life began in this moment, and she couldn't wait to see what adventures were ahead for her and her handsome prince.

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f
rom The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain

“
I
’m sorry
…
what did you say?”
Colin Strathmore said slowly. His voice was pure ice.

“We do sincerely regret the mistake—” The clinic director said nervously.

“
This is a hell of a lot more than a mistake.
”

“
Well, it is unfortunate, yes, but nothing like this has ever happened before.”

“And so how do you plan to fix it?” Colin said smoothly. His demeanor was calm, but his voice held a dangerous edge. The rhythmic rapping of his fingers against the mahogany table was the only thing that betrayed his anger.

Doctor Moore looked around the room nervously, unable to meet Colin’s glare. Her eyes lingered on the framed plaques and awards for philanthropy she saw in the opulent office, on the expensive trinkets on the shelves and desk that had been clearly placed there by an interior designer. The room was laid out to be as intimidating as possible, and it was working.

Beside her the lawyer, Clarkson, had interjected. “Well, we have offered Miss Robinson a generous financial package to fix the mistake.”

“Enlighten me. How exactly would that fix it?”

“Well, if Miss Robinson terminated the pregnancy then there would be minimal damages to you.”

“
Terminated?”
Colin stood up. “You thought you had the right to ask her to terminate the pregnancy?”

“It did seem like the most logical solution,” Doctor Moore offered nervously.

“And you didn’t think
I
should be consulted before you made this offer?” He was outraged.

Colin turned his back on them, staring out into the immense cityscape that was sprawled before him from his office on the top floor of the Strathmore Financial building. He was known for his stoicism, for his emotional restraint, but by God—! There was only so far he could be pushed.

He wanted to punch the lawyer right in the middle of his face and toss the incompetent doctor out on her ass. He clenched his fist several times as he struggled to regain his composure.

He had made a deposit at the sperm bank at one of the most difficult points of his life. Newly divorced, and diagnosed with cancer when he was only thirty-five, doctors had told him he should do what he could to protect his future chance at having children.

The radiation therapy had been successful, but the doctors had been right—his ability to father any children in the future had been compromised. It was not impossible, they had told him, but the sperm mobility was quite low and it was unlikely he would be able to have any children naturally.

The deposits he had made at the clinic might be his only chance at having a baby.

His voice was level. “I take it you are here because Miss Robinson did not terminate the pregnancy?”

“Er— yes. That’s correct.”

Colin closed his eyes. “How much does she want?”

“I’m sorry?”

“I presume she has a number in mind?”

“
Um… I don’t think she can be persuaded to terminate, I’m afraid.”

Colin whirled and leaned over the desk, slamming his hand on the hard mahogany surface.
“How much will it take for her to sign over custody of the child?”

* * *

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f
rom Billionaire’s Baby Surprise

I
t was
a cliché to say their eyes locked across the crowded club, and everyone else disappeared. Sondra’s lips quirked, happy she had gotten a bachelor’s degree in business administration instead of creative writing. The fleeting thought fled her mind as he moved closer.

Stalking her. The thought gave her a pleasant little thrill. She watched the dark-haired white guy heading toward her with single-minded determination. His lean body moved through the crowd like a big cat on the savanna. She was his prey, and when he caught her, he would eat her up.

Licking her lips, she straightened the hem of her red dress and smoothed her hands down over her curvy hips before striding forward to meet him.

“Can I buy you a drink?” they asked each other simultaneously.

She smiled and nodded, walking close to him without touching as they made their way to the bar. It was strange to be so attracted to someone so abruptly, when she was normally cautious and analytical. It couldn’t be the two glasses of champagne she’d had with her girlfriends upon their arrival, since that had barely given her a buzz. It had to be the man himself.

Discreetly, she inhaled his scent as she was forced to press close against him to avoid colliding with a dancing couple. He smelled like sandalwood and something unidentifiable but crisply masculine. As he placed orders for their drinks—screwdriver for her and scotch on the rocks for himself—she studied him.

His hair was short and businesslike, but the light dusting of stubble ruined the corporate look. His tight jeans and black T-shirt were deceptively casual, but could have been designer. That was the odd thing about expensive clothes. If done properly, they often looked bargain basement. It still confused her even after her friend Maevyn had tried to explain it to her.

When he stretched across the teak bar to grab their drinks, she got a quick glance at his butt. Molded by tight denim, it was obviously taut and muscular. The kind of ass a girl’s fingers could dig into and hold on for the ride.

As he turned to hand her the drink, she went for an innocent smile, but was pretty sure he’d caught her checking out his backside just by the twinkle in his eyes and the satisfied smirk on his lips.

There were no free tables, and as much as she loved Mae and Dani, she wasn’t sharing the yummy man before her, so she didn’t suggest sitting at the table her group had snagged earlier. Instead, they found a quieter corner and leaned against the wall, sipping their drinks and making small talk.

“Do you come here often?” he asked a few minutes later.

She shook her head, making silky strands of straight hair brush against her cheeks. Normally, she let it curl as it was wont to do, but had taken a little extra time tonight. The effort seemed to be worth it if she had caught the attention of the man standing beside her.

The man… Lord, she didn’t even know his name, and they’d been talking for a few minutes. “I’ve been here a few times, but I’m usually not a nightclub person—especially on a work night. Um, what’s your name?” She extended her hand. “I’m Sondra.”

He took her hand slowly, his fingertips caressing hers before brushing across her palms in a sensuous manner that made her stomach clench. When he grasped her hand firmly, her heartbeat increased, and she didn’t protest when he kept hold of it instead of releasing her.

“Jake.”

“Jake.” She repeated the name carefully, savoring it and drawing it out from one syllable to a purr. “What about you, Jake. Do you come here often?”

He lifted a shoulder. “It’s near my apartment, but I don’t often have the time. Maybe a couple of times per quarter.”

She giggled at the business-speak. “I can tell you’re another corporate drone.”

His ears reddened slightly, and his brown eyes darkened. “I…what?”

She squeezed his hand. “I am too.” Lifting the glass in her other hand, she said, “Though I suppose I’m a little less of a drone as of today. I start my new job tomorrow as a personal assistant to the executive assistant of the CEO.”

“Oh.” He sipped his drink. “Is it your first job?”

Sondra snorted. “Hardly. I’m twenty-seven. I’ve been slaving away in the bowels of WWJ Industries since I finished college.”

He froze for a second before saying, “I guess you impressed someone to get promoted so quickly.”

She could have gone for false modesty, but decided to be direct instead. “Yes. I’m very impressive in many areas.”

Jake quirked a brow. “I can imagine.” The smoky look he gave her from the top of her sleek dark hair to the tip of her red slingbacks left no doubt exactly what he was imagining.

Impulsively, she finished her drink in a long gulp, partly for courage and partly to dispense with it. Then she met his gaze. “Do you want to get out of here, Jake?”

He hesitated for just a second before setting down his half-finished drink on someone else’s table, ignoring their glare. Tugging lightly on her hand pulled her against him, and she set her glass beside his, suppressing a chuckle at the outraged comments from the table’s occupants.

* * *

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